The successful completion of Thursday’s space shuttle launch is sure to boost more than spirits for both the public and NASA.

The Jan. 28, 1986 shuttle disaster resulting in the deaths of seven astronauts, including a civilian, put the space program on hold for the past 32 months.

During this time, the Soviet Union has made considerable gains in its space program and might even explore Mars. President Ronald Reagan’s call for a manned space station has had to wait even to be considered. The United States is losing its status as a leader in space exploration.

But with the successful completion of Discovery’s launch, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration can get back to business.

Thursday’s launch was as tense as the first lift-off of the shuttle—and as important.

The first flight began a new era in space exploration. An era that came to a tragic end when the space shuttle Challenger exploded.

Although the seven astronauts in the Challenger flight have died, their dreams of exploring space will continue to live on.

Discovery’s successful launch is a chance to restore the lost credibility in NASA and one step closer to opening a new era in successful space exploration.